Here are 5 tips for a healthier work lunch, followed by 5 lunch options you should avoid bringing to the office:

Learn the lingo
The American Heart Association recommends to look for items on the menu that are steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted over foods that are served fried, au gratin, crispy, scalloped, pan-fried, sautéed, buttered, creamed or stuffed. When it comes to drinks, shoot for 100% juice, water, or diet soda. And if drinking coffee, choose fat-free milk over half-and-half.
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Here are 5 tips for a healthier work lunch, followed by 5 lunch...

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Watch for the side dishes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest soups with a clearer broth over creamy options like clam chowder or broccoli cheese. They also encourage soups with legumes, which include beans, peas and lentils, to increase the fiber and protein in your meal. If eating at a fast food chain, ask for fruit instead of fries or onion rings.

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Watch for the side dishes The Centers for Disease Control and...

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Clarify food preparation
If the menu doesn’t explain how things are cooked, ask your server if the restaurant can prepare your food to order -- for example, going light with the butter or oil. Don’t be shy about asking for healthier cooking substitutes like soft margarine instead of butter.

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Clarify food preparation If the menu doesn’t explain how things...

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Beware of sauces
Even the healthiest of salads can turn fatty with a few dabs of ranch dressing. Ask for sauces to be served on the side; this will help you better control the serving.

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Beware of sauces Even the healthiest of salads can turn fatty with...

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Split the meal -- and dessert
Splitting your meal with a coworker will help you cut back on the intake of high sodium and high sugar foods. If eating alone, box half of your meal to consume at a later time. Be careful around buffets, as they make it easy to over serve yourself. And if you are a dessert type of person, also consider sharing rich, sweet options with a friend.

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Split the meal -- and dessert Splitting your meal with a coworker...

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Take a look at some smelly lunch options you should avoid in the workplace:

While fresh broccoli has a soft smell, the microwaved version emits an odor that can linger all afternoon. Avoid inflicting this and other offensive odors on your workplace.

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Take a look at some smelly lunch options you should avoid in the...

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Fish is not the most office-friendly food. Avoid reheating this in a shared microwave.

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Fish is not the most office-friendly food. Avoid reheating this in...

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Even refrigerated, leftovers can give off an unpleasant scent. Clean these out when they're past their edible stage.

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Even refrigerated, leftovers can give off an unpleasant scent....

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Avoid foods known for their stink, like the durian fruit.

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Avoid foods known for their stink, like the durian fruit.

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No, we're not telling you to give up coffee. Just bring a mint or gum to freshen up afterward.

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No, we're not telling you to give up coffee. Just bring a mint or...

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Keep your cologne and perfume in check by only applying to pulse points.

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Keep your cologne and perfume in check by only applying to pulse...

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Tackle bad breath before it hurts business. Mints are a small investment that go a long way in an office setting.

When it comes to lunch break options, there are plenty of delicious dishess to choose from. Unfortunately, not everything on the lunch menu is good for your body.

According to the American Heart Association, a diet high in saturated, trans fats and cholesterol raises blood cholesterol, and high blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. But while your health is important to you, keeping with a healthy regimen is hard when squeezing in a meal between meetings and projects.

Here are five tips that will help you eat better while on your lunch break.

Even if you are in perfect health, the American Heart Association suggests avoiding meals that are deep fried, swimming in cream or butter, showered in salt or glittering with sugar. Lighter, healthier lunches will keep you from feeling tired at the office and give you the boost you need to complete your day.